RE: Why did my mom tell me that feelings are enough to have religion?
March 29, 2019 at 9:33 am
(This post was last modified: March 29, 2019 at 9:36 am by Brian37.)
(March 28, 2019 at 5:15 pm)Der/die AtheistIn Wrote: As said in the title, she told me that "the positive energy" given by religion is enough to justify belief. When I told her that my history teacher stated Jesus's existence has not been proven, she responded: "I don't understand his affirmation. Does he mean that the body of Jesus was never found? It's because Jesus ascended". She told me directly and with no hesitation that feelings are enough. Why does she even try to make other points?
No it is not.
There is however a very natural scientific explanation why humans feel good when thinking about religion. Just like one has good feelings as a kid thinking about Santa. It does have the real effect of triggering positive chemicals in the brain. It is the same effect when being around a loved pet like a kitten or puppy, but with religion that "positive" energy is really a false perception causing real chemical reactions in your brain.
The ancient Egyptians were successful in forming groups and creating their dynasties for 3,000 years. And those very false beliefs gave those societies very positive chemical reactions in their brains too. Kids have very positive emotions after seen say a Disney Cartoon movie too. Religion is simply "pretend" for adults.
Even on a personal level, I once truly thought I was in love with a cheerleader, and every time I thought of her or saw her I had very positive emotions. But that world was shattered when I finally asked her out and she rejected me. The truth was I built a false perception of what would happen if, in my head. It felt good at the time, but it was not reality. It was merely my own hormones and wishful thinking.
